Healthy living

There is generally no respite from back pain, once you have an injury in this area; finding some form of medication to bring back pain relief is probably a sufferers first thought, even if it only temporary. Pain relief is possible with the medications available but that is all they do and the reason for the pain continues.While there are a host of prescription medications that help with pain relief, many are doing nothing more than masking the symptoms instead of tackling the underlying cause of the pain.

Medication should be used sparingly and under the strict supervision of a medical professional. Back pain is often caused by muscle strains, repeated strenuous exercises and poor sitting posture.

Back pain is usually caused by a lifting accident or from lifting incorrectly and it is normally the lower back that suffers. However, a number of back pain relief treatments can be used without the need for drugs. One of the simplest but also underused remedies is just the act of stretching which can bring relief to tense muscles as well.

Some are finding relief using reflexology, an ancient type of alternative medical treatment. It uses the concept that certain areas of the body having corresponding areas on the feet which can benefit from massage. In addition to this, reflexology can also help to improve the blood circulation which in turn provides relief to aching and tired muscles.

Acupuncture is now providing back pain relief with people suffering spinal problems in the West. Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the theory that all people have this energy which flows through them called ‘chi’ or ‘qi’. Chi can become blocked but can be released by using thin needles inserted into various points on the body. Whilst acupuncture is used for many conditions, it is frequently used for pain relief and many people claim to have excellent results from using it.

A slower and gentler type of Yoga called Tai Chi, once again from China, is another method of back pain control. Tai Chi is however very gentle and easily performed by young and older people. It focuses on breathing exercises with additional stretching movements.

Natural back pain relief should really start with more frequent exercise which will not only help ensure the back is more flexible but help prevent spinal problems.